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The Australian Space Agency has
signed an agreement with space and defence giant,
Thales, further strengthening Australia’s international
space connections to create new local jobs.

Thales is a French company
operating and investing in the Australian space and
defence sectors, delivering satellite-based systems.

Minister for Industry, Science and
Technology Karen Andrews said this Statement of
Strategic Intent and Cooperation is another important
step in the Morrison Government’s plan to create
opportunities for Australian industry and new local
jobs.

“Engaging with big international
players like Thales will allow Australian businesses,
including our advanced manufacturers, to carve out a
place in the international space supply chain,” Minister
Andrews said.

“Space is very much an
international game and for Australia to succeed we need
to play to our strengths and have our businesses and
researchers working cooperatively.

“This statement is designed to
mutually identify key areas of investment as well as
potential research, development and commercial
opportunities.

“The Morrison Government plans to
triple the size of the Australian space sector by 2030,
adding $12 billion to our economy each year, and
creating 20,000 new jobs.”

Chief Executive Officer of Thales
Australia Chris Jenkins said the company was looking
forward to working with the Space Agency and harnessing
the strength of its global expertise in the space sector
to build Australia’s sovereign capabilities.

“Thales has been a long-term
investor in Australia’s advanced technology sector,
through comprehensive technology transfer and close
collaboration with research agencies and specialised
Australian SMEs,” Mr Jenkins said.

“Together, Thales and the
Australian Space Agency can build and develop the
Australian workforce and SME sector to meet the future
needs of the growing space economy.”

The Australian Space Agency has
also this week signed a Statement of Strategic Intent
and Cooperation with EOS Space Systems.

EOS specialises in the design,
manufacture, delivery and operation of technology for
Space Situational Awareness. It will establish further
laser ranging sensors across Australia to increase the
volume of space objects they track from 10,000 to
100,000 each week.